spray

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'spray' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun, a verb, and an adjective. Example: The spray of water from the fountain was refreshing on a hot summer day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Michael McMillan said when he came to Kaarma's home on 23 April to spray for insects, an angry Kaarma came to the front door naked, pointed a shotgun at him and asked what he was doing there.

The Guardian

The spray, which proved a success at World Cup 2014 in Brazil during the summer, is used to mark the distance between the ball and the defensive wall, making it harder for the defending side to encroach.

The Guardian - Sport

The Football League chief executive, Shaun Harvey, said: "Having seen it used in the recent World Cup, the introduction of vanishing spray into the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will give us the opportunity to observe its use in domestic football so that we can better understand its effect on the flow of the game".

The Guardian - Sport

The vanishing spray, that proved such a success at the World Cup in Brazil, will be used in the Premier League from this season onwards.

The Guardian - Sport

The Premier League chief executive, Richard Scudamore, said: "At the Premier League we are open to developments that enhance the competition and it was clear from watching the World Cup in Brazil that vanishing spray benefitted referees, players, and all of those who watched the matches.

The Guardian - Sport

NHS Choices says the nasal spray is safer and more effective than the injected vaccine and has only minor side-effects such as a runny nose, fever, muscle ache and headache.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At some point during the evening, the New York police department deployed pepper spray on the crowd to keep protesters from blocking the Lincoln tunnel and Triborough bridge.

The Guardian

SnoreStop, a company who boasts the number one position in sales of throat spray that reduces snoring, has unveiled a billboard that "is part of a larger marketing campaign".

The Guardian - Opinion

If only SnoreStop could develop a spray to solve these problems as well, then they wouldn't need a racist and offensive marketing campaign to sell their product.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cue a flood of headlines claiming: "Brain chemical lack spurs rioting, say scientists" and "Nose spray to stop drunks and brawls".

The Guardian

Another of those affected, Stephen Reid, 27, said: "The first thing I knew about it was screams of other people who were closer to the spray, and then my eyes started to burn … I remember going to my girlfriend's later that day and giving her a hug as I told her what had happened and her cheek started burning".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fine mist, use "spray" to convey a gentle and dispersed application of liquid. For example: 'A light "spray" of water refreshed the plants.'

Common error

Avoid using "spray" when you mean a larger, more forceful burst of liquid. "Splash" implies a bigger impact and more liquid volume than "spray".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spray" is as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a fine mist or a device that emits such mist. As a verb, it signifies the act of projecting liquid in a dispersed manner. This is consistent with the Ludwig AI analysis and examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spray" is a versatile term functioning both as a noun and a verb, denoting a dispersed mist or the act of dispersing liquid. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a wide array of contexts. Predominantly found in news & media, formal & business, and scientific domains, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication needs. Remember to differentiate "spray" from similar terms like "splash", which implies a greater volume of liquid. Use it confidently across various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disperse liquid

Focuses on the action of scattering liquid, instead of the tool or substance used.

emit mist

Emphasizes the creation of a fine mist, removing the implication of force.

apply with atomizer

Highlights the method of application using an atomizer device.

scatter droplets

Describes the action in terms of spreading small drops of liquid.

project liquid

Focuses on the act of propelling a liquid outward.

fine mist application

Emphasizes the type of application with a focus on the fineness of the mist.

aerosolize

Uses a more technical term for creating an aerosol.

nebulize

Implies transforming a liquid into a very fine spray for inhalation.

spritz

Uses a more informal term for a quick, light spraying action.

squirt

Describes a forceful ejection of liquid in a jet.

FAQs

How can I use the word "spray" in a sentence?

You can use "spray" as a noun, referring to a dispersed mist of liquid, or as a verb, meaning to project liquid in a dispersive manner. For example: "The sea "spray" was invigorating", or "He used the "spray" to paint the wall".

What are some synonyms for the verb "spray"?

Alternatives include "disperse", "emit", or "scatter", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "spray" and "sprinkle"?

"Spray" implies a more forceful and directed application, while "sprinkle" suggests a lighter, more random distribution. For instance, you might "spray" insecticide but "sprinkle" sugar on a cookie.

Is it correct to use "spray" as an adjective?

While less common, "spray" can function adjectivally. For example, "spray" paint indicates the type or function of the paint itself. For example, "spray" paint indicates the type or function of the paint itself.